Cold and Flu Center

Cold and Flu Center

Flu VideoHow do you know if you are getting the cold or the flu, what are the symptoms? Both the cold and the flu tend to have similar symptoms, aches, cough, congestion, fever, fatigue. With the flu, the symptoms tend to be a little more severe; fevers tend to be a little bit higher, sometimes 102 or more. And with the flu, the symptoms also tend to last a little bit longer. A cold should get better in a couple of days but a flu might last a week or more. When should you go to the doctor? It's okay to try to treat these symptoms from home. If your cough is lasting more than a week though or if your fever lasts more than a few days, those would be good reasons to call your doctor. Also, if you're having severe chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, confusion, anything like that, that would be something to get immediate medical attention for. Is it too late to get the flu shot? It's definitely not too late to get the flu shot. Flu season lasts from late December through March so now is a great time to do it (get the flu shot). How can I prevent getting the cold or flu? The most important thing you can do to prevent spreading these illnesses is good hand washing. If you can, avoid people you know have the cold or flu. Keep your body healthy, keep your immune system up by getting plenty of rest and eating well. And, of course, you should get the flu shot. How do I treat the cold or flu? So, there's no cure for the common cold. Both the cold and the flu are caused by viruses so antibiotics don't help. We tend to focus more on symptomatic treatment. Make sure you stay hydrated, make sure you get plenty of rest. Over-the-counter medications may help with some symptoms like fever or aches and pains or congestion.

What is influenza (flu)?

Influenza (or flu) is a highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection. An estimated 5 to 20 percent of the population in the US contract influenza each year. Influenza is characterized by the abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and a nonproductive cough.